For new Shopify businesses

Build your Shopify store before you start paying

Looking for a Shopify free trial with more time to prepare? Request a new Shopify development store through Michael Thomas Media. Build your storefront at your own pace, then choose a paid plan when you're ready to launch.

More time to prepareSet up by a Shopify PartnerPay when you move to a paid plan

Request your store

For eligible new stores. Development stores have feature restrictions and are not a replacement for a live paid Shopify store.

The process

How your pre-launch Shopify store works

I'll create a new development store and invite you to start building. When you're ready to launch, we'll arrange the transfer and you'll select a Shopify plan.

01

Request a store

Complete the short form above with your details and proposed store name.

02

I set it up

I'll review your request and create an eligible new Shopify development store manually.

03

Accept your invitation

Follow the Shopify invitation sent to your email to access the store.

04

Build and prepare

Explore themes, add products, organise collections and prepare your branding.

05

Get ready to launch

When you're ready to sell, contact me to arrange the ownership transfer.

06

Choose a plan

Complete the transfer and select an eligible paid Shopify plan to launch your store.

Understand your options

Shopify public trial vs partner development store

Both routes are legitimate, but they serve different stages of a business.

What matters	Shopify's public trial	Partner development store
Best suited to	Merchants evaluating Shopify's current introductory offer	New businesses that want to prepare a store before launch
Time to build	Limited by the current trial and promotional terms	Can remain in development before transfer, subject to Shopify's policies
Live selling	Requires an eligible paid plan when the trial ends	Requires transfer and an eligible paid plan before normal live selling
How to start	Sign up directly with Shopify	Request a new store from Michael Thomas Media

Who this is for

Take time to build something you're proud of

This option can be useful if you're starting your first Shopify store, developing a side project, or preparing a new brand before accepting orders.

It's not intended to extend an existing merchant's paid subscription or bypass Shopify's normal launch requirements.

Common questions

Shopify development store FAQs

Is this an official Shopify option?

Yes. Shopify Partners can create development stores for eligible new businesses. These stores operate under Shopify's development-store rules and have restrictions until transfer and activation.

Is a development store the same as an unlimited free trial?

Not exactly. A development store is a pre-launch environment, not a public-trial extension or a fully functioning live store. You can prepare your store before choosing a paid plan, subject to Shopify's policies.

Can I sell products or take real payments immediately?

No. Normal live selling and payment processing require an eligible paid Shopify plan. Some features and apps are limited in development stores.

Can I use this for my existing Shopify store?

This offer is intended for eligible new stores. It does not replace an existing paid Shopify subscription.

Will you charge me to create the store?

The initial development-store request and setup are offered without a setup fee. Optional design, development or consulting work is separate and discussed in advance.

When will I need to pay Shopify?

You'll need to select an eligible paid Shopify plan when you transfer and activate your store for normal selling. Pricing and promotional offers are determined by Shopify at that time.

How do I get help before launch?

Reach out through my contact page. We can discuss what help you need and whether it falls within the initial setup or requires additional work.